Generation:
First Generation (Nuova 500)
Production Years Covered:
1957-1973
Chassis Codes:
110F, 110F/001 (Nuova 500), 120F (500 D), 115F (500 Giardiniera), 100F (500 F), 100F/001 (500 L), 110F/001 (500 R)
Engine Codes Typically Covered:
110.000, 110.002, 110.004, 120.000, 115.000, 100.000, 100.000/B, 100.004
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, classic car owners, mechanics specializing in vintage European vehicles, DIY repairers.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical information for maintaining and repairing a highly iconic and cherished classic automobile, enabling owners to perform services themselves or understand professional repairs.
Manual Type Comparison:
This is a service/repair manual, distinct from an owner's manual (which focuses on operation and basic care) or a parts catalog (which lists part numbers and diagrams for ordering).
Instruction Style:
Step-by-step instructions, clear text sections, high-quality diagrams and exploded views.
Accessibility:
Designed for both 'do it yourself' enthusiasts and experienced mechanics, emphasizing ease of use and clarity.
Primary Coverage:
Service and repair procedures for FIAT 500 (1957-1973)
Included Models:
Nuova 500, 500 D, 500 Giardiniera, 500 F, 500 L, 500 R
Estimated Page Count:
Substantial; typical for comprehensive factory-level documentation of this era (actual count not specified, but implied to be extensive).
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Powertrain:
Engine (overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling), Fuel System (carburetion, fuel pump, lines), Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Clutch, Transmission (manual, synchromesh operation, rebuild), Drive Axles, Differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, components, adjustments), Steering System (components, steering box, linkages), Brakes (hydraulic system, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, drums, linings), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System (distributor, coils, spark plugs), Starting System (starter motor), Charging System (generator/alternator, regulator), Lighting System (headlamps, tail lamps, interior lights), Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams
Body And Trim:
Body panels, doors, hinges, latches, glass, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, bumpers, external trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and top-offs
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, bodywork repairs
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common problem identification and solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Technical Data:
Specifications, torque values, clearances, tolerances, wiring schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and detailed diagnostics. Suitable for both novice DIYers and experienced mechanics.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (depending on PDF conversion quality).
Printability:
Full Printable
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for potential archive extraction)
Operating System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, rear-mounted, inline-two cylinder (flat-twin)
Engine Displacement Variations:
479 cc (early Nuova 500), 499.5 cc (Nuova 500, 500 D), 594 cc (500 Giardiniera), 499.5 cc (500 F/L/R)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 13 hp to 22 hp (depending on engine variant and model year)
Torque Range:
Approximately 31 Nm to 41 Nm (depending on engine variant)
Fuel System Type:
Single downdraft carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (modern equivalent considerations for older engines)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Lubrication Type:
Splash and pressure lubrication; specific oil grades and change intervals detailed in manual.
Transmission Type:
Manual transaxle
Gear Count:
Typically 4-speed manual (some early models may have had 3-speed, but 4-speed is most common for this range).
Optional Transmission:
Seldom, semi-automatic ('Rumenta') was an option on some models, but standard manual is the focus.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
Specific gear oil specifications (e.g., SAE 90 GL-4) will be detailed in the manual.
Length:
Approx. 2970 mm (varies slightly by model)
Width:
Approx. 1320 mm (varies slightly by model)
Height:
Approx. 1300 mm (varies slightly by model)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1840 mm (varies slightly by model)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 390 kg - 470 kg (depending on model and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Specified in manual, typically around 700-800 kg.
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable for the era; modern safety standards were not in place.
Active Safety:
Basic hydraulic braking system, mechanical parking brake.
Passive Safety:
Minimal; no airbags, ABS, or significant crumple zones by modern standards. Emphasis on simple, robust construction.
Features Covered In Manual
Braking System Details:
Detailed diagrams and procedures for maintaining hydraulic brake components (master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, drums, shoes).
Infotainment System:
Basic; typically a simple radio (optional) and basic dashboard instruments (speedometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure light).
Driver Assistance Features:
None by modern standards.
Connectivity Features:
None.
Engine Management:
Purely mechanical; ignition timing controlled by distributor, fuel delivery by carburetor.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 km or annually, but detailed in the manual.
Tune Up Interval:
Regularly recommended; points gap, ignition timing, carburetor adjustment are key procedures.
Grease Points:
Numerous grease points on suspension and steering linkages require periodic attention.
Engine Oil Type:
Viscosity and API service rating specified in manual; often a multi-grade oil like 20W-50 or 10W-40 suitable for air-cooled engines, depending on climate. Specific FIAT specifications will be listed.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 typically, as specified by FIAT for the hydraulic system.
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Brake shoes/drums, clutch components, universal joints, suspension bushings, ignition points, carburetor jets, engine seals (potential oil leaks).
Corrosion:
Prone to rust and corrosion, especially in chassis and bodywork, due to age and material use.
Electrical Reliability:
Older wiring and components can degrade, leading to electrical gremlins. The manual's wiring diagrams are crucial.
Example Part Reference:
While this is a service manual, it will guide users on identifying parts for service, which can then be cross-referenced with a parts catalog. Specific part numbers are typically in dedicated parts lists.
Manufacturer History:
FIAT (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) is one of Italy's oldest and largest automobile manufacturers, known for popular, affordable vehicles.
500 Origin:
Evolved from the earlier Fiat 500 'Topolino'. The Nuova 500 (New 500) was designed by Dante Giacosa as an affordable, urban microcar.
Model Development:
The 1957-1973 period saw several key iterations: Nuova 500 (1957-1960), 500 D (1960-1961), 500 Sport (1958-1960), 500 Giardiniera (estate version, 1960-1971), 500 F (1965-1971), 500 L (Lusso, 1968-1971), and 500 R (Rinnovata, 1971-1973). The manual covers this entire significant span.
Production Locations:
Primarily Italy, with licensed production in other countries.
Production Volume:
Millions of units produced globally, cementing its status as an automotive icon.
